An Indian court has effectively prohibited Islamic educational institutions in the nation’s most populous state, potentially widening the gap between numerous Muslims and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist administration before the upcoming national elections.
The recent Friday decision abolishes a 2004 legislation concerning madressahs in Uttar Pradesh, asserting it infringes upon India’s constitutional principle of secularism. As a result, it mandates the transfer of students to traditional educational institutions.
The recent Allahabad High Court decision impacts approximately 2.7 million students and 10,000 teachers across 25,000 madrasas, as stated by Iftikhar Ahmed Javed, the head of the madrasa education board in the region. This area houses a significant Muslim population, which constitutes one-fifth of its 240 million residents.
“Judges Subhash Vidyarthi and Vivek Chaudhary emphasized in their order that it is the responsibility of the state government to guarantee admission for children aged 6 to 14 years in properly recognized institutions. This decision was made following an appeal by lawyer Anshuman Singh Rathore.”
Reuters was unable to reach Rathore or ascertain whether he is affiliated with any political organization.
India conducts a general election between April and June, during which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, is anticipated to secure a victory. Muslims and human rights organizations have raised concerns about certain BJP members and affiliates allegedly propagating anti-Islamic hate speech, encouraging vigilantism, and destroying Muslim-owned properties.
Modi claims there is no religious prejudice in India. In response, the BJP asserts that the government is rectifying past injustices, such as the recent unveiling of a Hindu temple at the location of a 16th-century mosque, which was destroyed in 1992. Many Hindus argue that the mosque was constructed over the birthplace of the divine ruler Ram and a previously existing temple, which was destroyed by Mughal ruler Babur.
Rakesh Tripathi, a representative of Uttar Pradesh BJP and a key figure in the state government, clarified that they do not oppose madrasas and are, in fact, focused on ensuring the educational well-being of Muslim students.
“Our stance is not against any madrasa; instead, we oppose unfair treatments. We disapprove of unlawful financing, and the government will determine future steps after examining the court’s verdict. As for Modi’s office, they have yet to provide a statement regarding the court’s ruling on Saturday.”
‘I am scared’
On behalf of the federal government, Sudhanshu Chauhan addressed the court, stating that religious education and the teaching of a single religion should not be incorporated into the school curriculum. He emphasized that the state government lacks the authority to establish educational boards allowing religious instruction.
Furthermore, Chauhan clarified that the government has no intention of reinstating a policy previously discontinued in March 2022, which had allocated funds for madrasas to teach subjects like mathematics and science.
Javed, a Madressah official and the national secretary of the BJP’s minority wing, shared his challenges as a Muslim. He often finds himself caught between the expectations of his party and his community. Since the recent order during the holy month of Ramadan, he has received numerous calls from fellow Muslims.
He explained that it is quite difficult to balance these responsibilities, as he is tasked with convincing the community to support the party and join its ranks. Due to his concerns for safety, Javed ensures he has personal security whenever attending public events or programs.
Tripathi from the BJP stated that Muslim BJP leaders have no cause for concern, as their community receives equal advantages from diverse government welfare initiatives. He added, “As a Hindu, I frequently engage with the Muslim community and receive warm support from them. It is essential to acknowledge the government’s dedication to education and their ongoing efforts in this field.”
The unofficial parent organization of the BJP has been placing loyal Muslim individuals in leadership roles at Indian Muslim educational institutions as a strategy to attract Muslim votes. In January, the Uttar Pradesh administration ceased a financial aid program for madrasas, resulting in unemployment for 21,000 teachers.
This recent order, issued on Friday, affects all madrasas in the state, regardless of whether they receive private or government funding, according to Javed.
The court did not specify a deadline for its ruling, and Javed mentioned that it is improbable for madrasas to be shut down immediately. In the northeastern state of Assam, which is governed by the BJP, there has been a significant transformation as they have been converting numerous madrasas into traditional schools.
